MOTU MIDI Express XT, MIDI Express 128, micro express, micro lite User Manual

Title page

User Guide

MIDI Express XT

MIDI Express 128

micro express

micro lite

1280 Massachusetts Avenue

Cambridge, MA 02138

Business voice: [phone]

Business fax: [phone]

Web site: www.motu.com

Tech support: www.motu.com/support

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR
OTHER MOISTURE.

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

WARNING: DO NOT PERMIT FINGERS TO TOUCH THE TERMINALS OF PLUGS WHEN INSTALLING OR REMOVING
THE PLUG TO OR FROM THE OUTLET.

WARNING: IF NOT PROPERLY GROUNDED THE MOTU USB MIDI interface COULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK.

The MOTU USB MIDI interface is equipped with a three-conductor cord and grounding type plug which has a grounding prong,
approved by Underwriters' Laboratories and the Canadian Standards Association. This plug requires a mating three-conductor
grounded type outlet as shown in Figure A below.

If the outlet you are planning to use for the MOTU USB MIDI interface is of the two prong type, DO NOT REMOVE OR ALTER THE
GROUNDING PRONG IN ANY MANNER. Use an adapter as shown below and always connect the grounding lug to a known
ground. It is recommended that you have a qualified electrician replace the TWO prong outlet with a properly grounded THREE prong
outlet. An adapter as illustrated below in Figure B is available for connecting plugs to two-prong receptacles.

WARNING: THE GREEN GROUNDING LUG EXTENDING FROM THE ADAPTER MUST BE CONNECTED TO A
PERMANENT GROUND SUCH AS TO A PROPERLY GROUNDED OUTLET BOX. NOT ALL OUTLET BOXES ARE
PROPERLY GROUNDED.

If you are not sure that your outlet box is properly grounded, have it checked by a qualified electrician. NOTE: The adapter illustrated is
for use only if you already have a properly grounded two-prong receptacle. Adapter is not allowed in Canada by the Canadian
Electrical Code. Use only three wire extension cords which have three-prong grounding type plugs and three-prong receptacles which
will accept the MOTU USB MIDI interface plug.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

1. Read instructions - All the safety and operating instructions should be read before operating the MOTU USB MIDI interface.

2. Retain instructions - The safety instructions and owner's manual should be retained for future reference.

3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the MOTU USB MIDI interface and in the owner's manual should be adhered to.

4. Follow Instructions - All operating and use instructions should be followed.

5. Cleaning - Unplug the MOTU USB MIDI interface from the computer before cleaning and use a damp cloth. Do not use liquid or
aerosol cleaners.

6. Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electrical shock.

7. Power Sources - This MOTU USB MIDI interface should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking
label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your location, consult your local power company.

8. Power-Cord Protection - Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed
upon or against them. Pay particular attention to cords and plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
MOTU USB MIDI interface.

9. Lightning - For added protection for the MOTU USB MIDI interface during a lightning storm, unplug it from the wall outlet. This will
prevent damage to the MOTU USB MIDI interface due to lightning and power line surges.

10. Servicing - Do not attempt to service this MOTU USB MIDI interface yourself as opening or removing covers will expose you to
dangerous voltage and other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

11. Damage Requiring Service - Unplug the MOTU USB MIDI interface from the computer and refer servicing to qualified service
personnel under the following conditions.

a. When the power supply cord or plug is damaged.
b. If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the MOTU USB MIDI interface.
c. If the MOTU USB MIDI interface has been exposed to rain or water.
d. If the MOTU USB MIDI interface does not operate normally by following the operating instructions in the owner's manual.
e. If the MOTU USB MIDI interface has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.
f. When the MOTU USB MIDI interface exhibits a distinct change in performance, this indicates a need for service.

12. Replacement Parts - When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by
the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or
other hazards.

13. Safety Check - Upon completion of any service or repairs to this MOTU USB MIDI interface, ask the service technician to perform
safety checks to determine that the product is in safe operating conditions.

ENVIRONMENT

Operating Temperature: 10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°)

AVOID THE HAZARDS OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND FIRE

Do not handle the power cord with wet hands. Do not pull on the power cord when disconnecting it from an AC wall outlet. Grasp it by
the plug.

INPUT

Line Voltage: 100 - 120 volts AC, RMS (US and Japan) or 220 - 250 volts AC, RMS (Europe). Frequency: 47 - 63 Hz single phase.
Power: 7 watts maximum.

CAUTION: DANGER OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED. REPLACE ONLY WITH THE SAME OR EQUIVALENT
TYPE RECOMMENDED BYMANUFACTURER. DISPOSE OF USED BATTERY ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER’S
INSTRUCTIONS.

Figure A

3-prong plug

Grounding prong

Properly grounded 3-prong outlet

Figure B

Grounding lug

Screw

Mak e su re t his is c onn ect ed t o a

3-prong plug

known ground.

Two-prong receptacle

Adapter

Contents

Part I: For All Users

Packing List and Computer Requirements

7

Hardware installation

9

Software Installation and Setup

17

23

Using MIDI Software

Part II: For XT & micro Users

27

ClockWorks

Front Panel Presets

49

Synchronization

55

MIDI Machine Control

65

Part III: Appendices

Glossary

75

Time C ode Basics

81

Troubleshooting and Customer Support

87

91

Index

Contents

III

About the Mark of the Unicorn License Agreement and Limited Warranty on
Software

TO PERSONS WHO PURCHASE OR USE THIS PRODUCT: carefully read all the terms and conditions of the “click-wrap”
license agreement presented to you when you install the software. Using the software or this documentation indicates your
acceptance of the terms and conditions of that license agreement.

Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. (“MOTU”) owns both this program and its documentation. Both the program and the documentation are
protected under applicable copyright, trademark, and trade-secret laws. Your right to use the program and the documentation are
limited to the terms and conditions described in the license agreement.

Reminder of the terms of your license

This summary is not your license agreement, just a reminder of its terms. The actual license can be read and printed by running
the installation program for the software. That license agreement is a contract, and clicking “Accept” binds you and MOTU to all
its terms and conditions. In the event anything contained in this summary is incomplete or in conflict with the actual click-wrap
license agreement, the terms of the click-wrap agreement prevail.

YOU MAY: (a) use the enclosed program on a single computer; (b) physically transfer the program from one computer to another
provided that the program is used on only one computer at a time and that you remove any copies of the program from the
computer from which the program is being transferred; (c) make copies of the program solely for backup purposes. You must
reproduce and include the copyright notice on a label on any backup copy.

YOU MAY NOT: (a) distribute copies of the program or the documentation to others; (b) rent, lease or grant sublicenses or other
rights to the program; (c) provide use of the program in a computer service business, network, time-sharing, multiple CPU or
multiple user arrangement without the prior written consent of MOTU; (d) translate, adapt, reverse engineer, decompile,
disassemble, or otherwise alter the program or related documentation without the prior written consent of MOTU.

MOTU warrants to the original licensee that the disk(s) on which the program is recorded be free from defects in materials and
workmanship under normal use for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase as evidenced by a copy of your receipt.
If failure of the disk has resulted from accident, abuse or misapplication of the product, then MOTU shall have no responsibility to
replace the disk(s) under this Limited Warranty.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY AND RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT IS IN LIEU OF, AND YOU HEREBY WAIVE, ANY AND ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES, BOTH EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE LIABILITY OF MOTU PURSUANT TO THIS
LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE DISK(S), AND IN NO EVENT
SHALL MOTU OR ITS SUPPLIERS, LICENSORS, OR AFFILIATES BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF DATA OR DATA BEING
RENDERED INACCURATE, OR LOSSES SUSTAINED BY THIRD PARTIES EVEN IF MOTU HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH MAY VARY FROM
STATE TO STATE. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

Update Policy

In order to be eligible to obtain updates of the program, you must complete and return the attached Mark of the Unicorn
Purchaser Registration Card to MOTU.

General

This License Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and shall inure to the benefit of
MOTU, its successors, administrators, heirs and assigns.

Copyright Notice

Copyright © 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 by Mark of the Unicorn, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or
translated into any human or computer language, in any form or by any means whatsoever, without express written permission
of Mark of the Unicorn, Inc., 1280 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, U.S.A.

Limited Warranty on Hardware

Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. and S&S Research (“MOTU/S&S”) warrant this equipment against defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of TWO (2) YEARS from the date of original retail purchase. This warranty applies only to hardware
products; MOTU software is licensed and warranted pursuant to separate written statements.

If you discover a defect, first write or call Mark of the Unicorn at [phone] to obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization
Number. No service will be performed on any product returned without prior authorization. MOTU will, at its option, repair or
replace the product at no charge to you, provided you return it during the warranty period, with transportation charges prepaid, to
Mark of the Unicorn, Inc., 1280 Massachusetts Avenue, MA 02138. You must use the product’s original packing material for in
shipment, and insure the shipment for the value of the product. Please include your name, address, telephone number, a
description of the problem, and the original, dated bill of sale with the returned unit and print the Return Merchandise Authorization
Number on the outside of the box below the shipping address.

This warranty does not apply if the equipment has been damaged by accident, abuse, misuse, or misapplication; has been
modified without the written permission of MOTU, or if the product serial number has been removed or defaced.

ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO TWO (2) YEARS FROM THE DATE OF THE ORIGINAL RETAIL
PURCHASE OF THIS PRODUCT.

THE WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHERS, ORAL OR
WRITTEN, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. No MOTU/S&S dealer, agent, or employee is authorized to make any modification,
extension, or addition to this warranty.

MOTU/S&S ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING
FROM ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY, OR UNDER ANY LEGAL THEORY, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, DOWNTIME,
GOODWILL, DAMAGE OR REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY AND COST OF RECOVERING REPRO­GRAMMING, OR REPRODUCING ANY PROGRAM OR DATA STORED IN OR USED WITH MOTU/S&S PRODUCTS.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or liability for incidental or consequential damages, so
the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights
which vary from state to state.

MOTU, MIDI Timepiece, MIDI Express, micro express, ClockWorks, Mark of the Unicorn and the unicorn silhouette logo are
trademarks of Mark of the Unicorn, Inc.

This equipment has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communica­tions. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or
television equipment reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference
by any combination of the following measures:

• Relocate or reorient the receiving antenna

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver

• Plug the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected

If necessary, you can consult a dealer or experienced radio/television technician for additional assistance.

PLEASE NOTE: only equipment certified to comply with Class B (computer input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.) should be
attached to this equipment, and it must have shielded interface cables in order to comply with the Class B FCC limits on RF emissions.

WARNING: changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.

Part I For All Users

All Users

5

1

CHAPTER

Packing List and Computer Requirements

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING MOTU

Thank you for purchasing a MOTU USB MIDI interface.
Please read the important information in this chapter
before using it.

PLEASE REGISTER TODAY

Please visit www.motu.com/registration or fill out and
send in the registration card included with your MOTU
MIDI interface. As a registered user, you will be eligible to
receive on-line technical support email and
announcements about product enhancements as soon as
they become available. Only registered users receive these
special update notices, so please, complete and mail this
registration card.

■

MOTU USB MIDI Interface

■

Power cord (MIDI Express XT only)

■

USB cable

■

CD with software drivers

■

Manual

■

Product registration card

MIDI CABLES NOT INCLUDED

To connect each of your MIDI devices to your MOTU
MIDI interface, you need MIDI cables, purchased
separately. Talk to your music dealer to decide how many
you need.

Tha nk you for taking the t ime to register you r new MOTU
product!

PACKING LIST

Your MOTU USB MIDI Interface is shipped with the items
listed below. If any of these items are not present when you
first open the box, please immediately contact your dealer
or MOTU.

COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS

Mac

Your MOTU MIDI interface will run with any USB­equipped Mac running Mac OS X (10.6 or later).

7

PC

Your MOTU MIDI interface will run with any USB­equipped PC compatible running Windows 7, 8 or 10.

MIDI SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY

Your MOTU USB MIDI Interface works with all Mac and
Windows MIDI software.

GETTING STARTED

Follow the directions in the next few chapters of this guide
to successfully install and begin using your new MOTU
USB MIDI interface.

FAMILIARITY WITH YOUR COMPUTER

This manual assumes that your are familiar with using
your computer. If not, please review your computer’s user
guide before proceeding.

VISIT MOTU.COM FOR SOFTWARE UPDATES

Driver updates are posted on our web site as soon as they
become available, so check our web site for the latest
drivers: www.motu.com

8

PACKING LIST AND COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS

CHAPTER

2

Hardware installation

OVERVIEW

Connecting the power cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Connecting the computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Connecting MIDI gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

MIDI connections worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

SMPTE Time Code sync connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Connecting a foot switch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Connecting multiple USB interfaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

CONNECTING THE POWER CORD

If you own a MIDI Express XT, plug the power cord into
your MOTU MIDI Interface and then plug the other end
into a grounded power outlet. We recommend that you
leave the interface switched off while making cable
connections during installation.

CONNECTING THE COMPUTER

Using the USB cable included with your MOTU MIDI
interface, put the Type A plug into a Type A USB jack on
the computer, the USB computer keyboard, a USB hub, or
any other USB device connected to the computer that has
an available Type A USB jack. The USB cable allows the
computer to communicate with all MIDI devices

connected to your MOTU MIDI interface. If you have
several MOTU interfaces, see “Connecting multiple USB
interfaces” on page 14.

The flat, “Type A” USB plug
connects to the computer.

Mac or PC

Figure 2-1: You can plug the Type A connector directly into the computer itself,
a USB keyboard connected to the computer, or any other USB device already
connected to the computer that has an available Type A USB jack.

Figure 2-2: The square Type B plug goes into your MOTU interface.

9

CONNECTING MIDI GEAR

Con nect each MIDI dev ice’s MIDI IN jack to a MI DI OUT
jack on your MOTU MIDI interface as shown by
Connection A below. Conversely, connect the MIDI OUT
jack on the MIDI device to one of the MIDI IN jacks on
your MOTU MIDI interface as shown by Connection B.

MOTU

MIDI interface

rear panel

MIDI
OUT

Connection A

MIDI Device

Figure 2-3: Connecting a MIDI device to your MOTU MIDI interface. If you are
connecting a sound module or other device that does not need to transmit
MIDI data, you only need to make connection A shown above. Conversely, if the
device is a MIDI controller such as a drum pad or guitar controller, you only
need to make Connection B.

MIDI

cables

MIDI INMIDI

OUT

MIDI

Connection B

IN

One-way MIDI connections

MIDI devices that do not receive MIDI data, such as a
dedicated keyboard controller, guitar controller, or drum
pad, only need Connection B shown in Figure 2-3.
Similarly, devices that never send data, such as a sound
module, only need Connection A. However, if you plan to
use editor/librarian software with the sound module, or if
you need to g et sy stem exc lusive bulk du mps f rom it , make
both connections. In general, make both connections for
any device that needs to both send and receive MIDI data.

☛

MOTU MIDI interfaces do not require that you use
the same numbered MIDI IN and MIDI OUT for each
device, but experience shows that your system will be
easier to work with if you do.

Connecting additional gear with MIDI THRUs

If you use up all of the MIDI OUTs on your MOTU MIDI
interface, and you still have more gear to connect, run a
MIDI cable from the MIDI THRU of a device already
connected to the interface to the MIDI IN on the
additional device as shown below in Figure 2-4. The two
devices then share the same MIDI OUT port on the MIDI

10

HARDWARE INSTALLATION

interface. This means that they share the same set of 16
MIDI channels, so try to do this with devices that receive
on only one MIDI channel (such as effects modules) so
their receive channels don’t conflict with one another.

MIDI CONNECTIONS WORKSHEET

Here’s a suggestion. If you have more than a few pieces of
gear connected to your MOTU MIDI interface, jot down
which device is connected to each input and output in the
worksheet below.

MOTU

MIDI interface

rear panel

MIDI
OUT

MIDI

MIDI Device

Figure 2-4: Connecting additional devices with MIDI THRU ports.

HARDWARE INSTALLATION

IN

MIDI

THRU

Additional device

MIDI IN

MIDI
cable

MIDI IN MIDI OUT

11

22

33

44

55

66

77

88

11

SMPTE TIME CODE SYNC CONNECTIONS

If you own a MIDI Express XT or micro express, it is both
a SMPTE time code

converter

converter, it locks (slaves) to incoming longitudinal
SMPTE time code (LTC) and converts it to MIDI Time
Code (MTC) and reshaped LTC. As a generator, it
produces both LTC and MTC time code, either running
under its own internal clock or while slaved to external
time code (or other time base).

When making the SMPTE time code connections
described in the following sections, do not pass the signal
through any type of signal processing equipment. Use
shielded quarter-inch audio cables.

For a complete explanation of synchronization, see
chapter 7, “Synchronization” (page 55).

and

generator

. As a

Connecting a SMPTE time code source

Connect any SMPTE time code

source

, such as the SMPTE
timecode track on an analog multitrack tape deck, to the
SMPTE IN port on your MOTU MIDI interface as shown
in Figure 2-5. (For information about recording time code
tracks, see “Striping time code” on page 58.)

Analog audio tape recorder Video tape recorder

Examples of a SMPTE

time code source

Audio or SMPTE out

Shielded, quarter-inch audio cable

MOTU MIDI Interface

SMPTE IN

Figure 2-5: Connecting a SMPTE time code source.

12

HARDWARE INSTALLATION

Connecting a SMPTE time code destination

Connect the SMPTE OUT port of your MOTU MIDI
interface to the SMPTE time code input of any

destination

device that accepts SMPTE time code as shown in
Figure 2-6. For example, time code can be recorded on an
outside track of a multitrack tape recorder so that
everything can subsequently be synchronized to the
multitrack. Other examples of a SMPTE time code
destination are systems that have the ability to slave to
SMPTE time code, such as stand-alone hard disk
recording systems, digital audio workstations, or
automated mixing consoles.

Shielded, quarter-inch audio cable

SMPTE or Audio in

Examples of a SMPTE

time code destinations

Analog audio tape recorder

Figure 2-6: Connecting a SMPTE time code destination.

Video tape recorder

MOTU MIDI Interface
SMPTE OUT

HARDWARE INSTALLATION

13

CONNECTING A FOOT SWITCH

If you own a MIDI Express XT or micro express and you
would like to use a foot switch with it, connect it as shown
below in Figure 2-7. For more information about how a
foot switch can be used, see “The Pedal tab” on page 46.

Figure 2-7: Connecting a foot switch.

CONNECTING MULTIPLE USB INTERFACES

The USB (
connect multiple MOTU interfaces to a single computer.
You can mix and match any combination of MOTU USB
interfaces to suit your needs.

Figure 2-8: An inexpensive, standard USB hub allows you to connect multiple
MOTU USB MIDI interfaces. You can even mix and match different models of
MOTU interfaces, using the combination that best suites your needs for
synchronization, number of MIDI ports, etc.

Universal Serial Bus

The flat, “Type A” USB plug on the
USB cable from each MOTU interface
connects to the USB hub.

Standard USB Hub

) specification allows you to

USB

cables

14

HARDWARE INSTALLATION

The USB (

Universal Serial Bus

) specification allows many
USB devices — theoretically up to 127 — to be connected
to a single computer. However, many USB devices,
including all MOTU USB interfaces, reserve USB
bandwidth, so the theoretical and practical limits for
MOTU interfaces are considerably fewer. In theory, the
maximum number of MOTU USB interfaces you can
connect to one computer is just over 30 interfaces.
Practically speaking, regardless of how slow or fast your
USB-equipped computer is, you should be able to connect
upwards of 10 or more MOTU USB MIDI interfaces to the
computer and still enjoy just as much performance from
each one as if it were the only one connected. Just don’t try
to run your USB scanner or digital camera while playing
back and recording MIDI!

For further details about USB, visit www.usb.org.

To connect multiple MOTU interfaces to a computer,
you’ll need an inexpensive device called a

USB Hub

(purchased separately from your computer peripherals
dealer). A USB Hub has multiple Type A ports on it,
usually between 4 and 7 ports, to which you connect

multiple USB MIDI interfaces as shown in Figure 2-8.
Connect them to the hub in the standard fashion, as if you
were connecting them directly to the computer. If needed,
you can connect multiple hubs to each other to get enough
USB ports for your multiple MOTU USB interfaces.

WHAT NEXT?

You’re ready to install software. Turn to chapter 3,
“Software Installation and Setup” (page 17).

HARDWARE INSTALLATION

15

16

HARDWARE INSTALLATION

CHAPTER

3

Software Installation and Setup

OVERVIEW

Software installation for mac OS X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Software installation for Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Daisy-chaining MIDI devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Where to go next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION FOR MAC OS X

Your MOTU interface requires software drivers. It also
includes ClockWorks™, a setup program that gives you
convenient access to your MOTU interface’s numerous
features. Install all of this software as follows:

1

Download the latest MOTU MIDI installer found at

motu.com/download.

2

Follow the directions the installer gives you.

What does the installer do?

The installer checks the computer to make sure it satisfies
the minimum system requirements for your MOTU
interface. If so, the installer proceeds with the installation:
drivers are installed and the ClockWorks™ utility is
installed in the Applications folder.

Audio MIDI Setup

Audio MIDI S etup

allows you to configure your MOTU USB MIDI interface
for use with all MIDI compatible applications. Audio
MIDI Setup provides:

■

A “virtual” studio on your Mac that graphically
repre sent s you r MI DI ha rdwa re setup and t hat i s shared by
all MIDI-compatible programs

■

A simple, intuitive list of your MIDI devices whenever
you need it in any MIDI-compatible program

Launching Audio MIDI Setup

1

Make sure your MOTU MIDI interface is connected

and turned on.

2

Launch the Audio MIDI Setup utility.

This can usually be found in /Applications/Utilities. If it
has been moved, just search for

3

Confirm that the MIDI interface is present in the

window of Audio MIDI Setup (Window menu).

Devices

is a utility included with Mac OS X that

Audio MIDI Setup

.

MIDI

17

☛

If the interface does not appear, or if it is grayed out,

check your cable connections and click

Figure 3-1: In this example, a MOTU MIDI Express XT interface as it appears in
the MIDI window of Audio MIDI Setup.

Rescan MIDI

.

Creating a MIDI configuration

Once your MOTU USB MIDI interface appears in Audio
MIDI Setup, you are ready to add devices, indicate how
they are connected, and identify properties they may have
for particular purposes. This information is shared with
all MIDI compatible applications.

Adding devices in Audio MIDI Setup

To add a device in Audio MIDI Setup:

1

Click

Add Device

.

2

Drag on its input and output arrows to draw
connections to the MIDI interface that match its physical
connection.

Figure 3-2: Connecting the device to the interface.

18

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND SETUP

3

Double-click the device to make settings, such as input

and output channels, that further describe the device.

Figure 3-3: Device settings.

4

Repeat the above steps for each MIDI device connected

to the interface.

5

When you are finished, quit Audio MIDI Setup.

Your configuration is automatically saved as the default
configuration, and it is shared with all MIDI-compatible
software. You can use the Configuration menu to create,
duplicate or delete alternative configurations.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND SETUP

19

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION FOR WINDOWS

Your MOTU interface requires software drivers. It also
includes ClockWorks™, a setup program that gives you
convenient access to your MOTU interface’s numerous
features.

Software installation will go a little more smoothly if you
tur n off your interface before switching on your computer.
Don’t worr y, however, if you’ve already done so. Just follow
the directions below.

4

Follow the directions the installer gives you.

That’s it!

What gets installed?

The MOTU USB software installer installs drivers for your
MOTU USB MIDI interface, as well as the ClockWorks
application, which gives you access to many of your
interface’s features, including synchronization, MIDI
processing and preset management.

To install the MOTU USB MIDI software:

1

Turn on your computer (if you haven’t a lrea dy done s o).

2

If the Windows

Add Hardware Wizard

appears during

startup, do not proceed and exit from the Wizard.

Instead of installing the MOTU USB MIDI drivers
manually via the Wizard, you will run the MOTU USB
software installer.

3

Download the latest MOTU MIDI installer found at

motu.com/download.

20

You can find ClockWorks in the Windows Start menu

Programs>MOTU

under

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND SETUP

.

DAISY-CHAINING MIDI DEVICES

In general, daisy-chain MIDI devices (as shown in
Figure 3-4 on page 21) should be avoided because it is
more complicated to set up than connecting each device
directly to your MOTU interface.

If you have no choice but to daisy-chain, you need to
configure each device such that it doesn’t share any MIDI
channels with other devices in the chain. Otherwise, you’ll
hear several instruments play at once because data sent to
one unit is received by all the devices in the daisy chain
that are listening to that same MIDI channel. Refer to the
following Mac or Windows section that applies to you.

Compu ter

USB

cable

MOTU USB MIDI interface

Configuring your Mac setup for daisy-chaining

1

Double-click on the first device in

Audio MIDI Setup

and disable some channels, as shown in Figure 3-3 on
page 19; leave others enabled.

2

Repeat this for the other devices in the daisy chain so
that no two devices have the same channels enabled. For
example, set Device A to use channels 1-8 and Device B to
use channels 9-16.

3

Now go to the front panel of each MIDI instrument
itself and program it to respond to only the channels that
are enabled in Audio MIDI Setup. Refer to the
documentation for the device for details on this last step.

IN

OUT

IN

THRU

IN

THRU

IN

THRU

Figure 3-4: See “Daisy-chaining MIDI devices” on page 21 for special instructions
on setting up your MIDI gear for daisy-chaining in this manner.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND SETUP

IN
OUT

21

Configuring your Windows setup for daisy-chaining

To avoid unwanted instrument layering (as explained
earlier), go to the front panel of each MIDI instrument
itself and program it to respond to a unique set of MIDI
channels. Each device should have its own MIDI
channel(s), to which no other device connected to that
MIDI port will respond. Refer to the documentation for
the device for details.

WHERE TO GO NEXT

Refer to the items below that apply to you:

If you want to start using MIDI software with your new
MOTU interface...

All MOTU interfaces have factory default settings that
allow your MIDI software to communicate with all MIDI
devices connected to the interface. So from here, you can
turn to your software documentation to get started.

☛

Mac users: if you haven’t created devices in your
Audio MIDI Setup as explained in “Creating a MIDI
configuration” on page 18, do so now before you begin
using your MIDI programs.

If you want to learn about the front panel controls...

Turn to chapter 6, “Front Panel Presets” (page 49).

If you want to program your interface with
ClockWorks...

ClockWorks is the software “front end” for the features in
your MOTU interface. It allows you to configure and
program the powerful MIDI routing and processing
features in the interface. You can graphically make direct
routings from inputs and outputs, stripe SMPTE time

setups

code, create and save interface
entire internal configuration of the interface), set up the
pedal inputs, or other tasks. For details, see chapter 5,
“ClockWorks” (page 27).

(which consist of the

22

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND SETUP

CHAPTER

4

Using MIDI Software

MAC SOFTWARE

Once you’ve completed the installation for your MOTU
MIDI interface/synchronizer as described in the previous
chapter, the devices you’ve specified in
will appear in the MIDI input and output menus of your
MIDI software. You’ll also see a MIDI port called

. This port also appears in your MIDI programs,

Cables

allowing you to send the same MIDI data out all MIDI
output ports at once.

Figure 4-1: The devices in your Audio MIDI Setup configuration will appear as
MIDI input sources and output destinations in your MIDI applications, as
demonstrated here with Digital Performer.

Audio MIDI Setup

All

WINDOWS SOFTWARE

Once you’ve completed the installation for your MOTU
MIDI interface/synchronizer as described in the previous
chapter, you’ll notice that all MIDI inputs and outputs are
available to your MIDI software. The port names are
abbreviated as shown in Figure 4-2.

‘Sync IN - OUT ALL’ Port

In the list of input ports, the
all MIDI real time and MIDI Time Code messages will
arrive, regardless of the physical MIDI input jack from
which the MOTU interface receives them. All other
received dat a will ar rive at its i nput port as appropri ate. So,
to slave your MIDI software to an external sync source,
connect it to this port.

In the list of output ports, the
you to send the same MIDI data to all MIDI output ports
at once.

Sync in - out all

Sync in - out all

port is where

port allows

23

Figure 4-2: MOTU MIDI Express XT and micro express interface ports in
Cakewalk SONAR™.

THE MIDI DATA PATH (MAC AND WINDOWS)

As for MIDI data arriving and leaving your computer via
the MOTU USB MIDI interface driver, imagine it coming
and going from the MOTU interface as shown in
Figure 4-3. All channelizing and filtering is applied before
the input data arrives at the computer and after it is sent
from the computer.

MDI IN

Event filtering Event filtering

Figure 4-3: The path that MIDI data takes through a MOTU Express XT or micro express. Other MOTU interfaces do not provide MIDI processing.

Channel

mapping

MOTU

MIDI Interface

data bus

Compu ter

Channel

mapping

24

USING MIDI SOFTWARE

MDI OUT

Part II For XT & micro Users

All Users

25

CHAPTER

5

ClockWorks

OVERVIEW

About ClockWorks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

The File menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

The ClockWorks window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

The Routings tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

The Presets tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

The Mutings tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

The Mappings tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Synchronization and MIDI Machine control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Sync tab settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

The Pedal tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Future updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

ABOUT CLOCKWORKS

ClockWorks is an application that gives you access to the
programmable features in your MOTU MIDI Express XT
or micro express interface. For example, you can make
changes to the synchronization settings, filter some data
on a particular input or output, or route MIDI data from
any MIDI device to any other MIDI device connected to
your MOTU interface.

ClockWorks cannot be used with a micro lite or

☛

Express 128 interface, as these devices do not support
MIDI processing or synchronization features.

When do you need to use ClockWorks software?

The only time you need to use ClockWorks is when you
would like to make changes to the settings in your MOTU
interface. If all you want to do is use it with a MIDI
sequencer, you don’t need to make any changes at all. The
factory settings allow sequencing software to individually
access any of the input or output ports on your MOTU
interface. Just run your sequencer. You only need to run
ClockWorks if you wish to customize your interface
settings.

27

Sync and

MIDI Machine

Control section

Tabs

Figure 5-1: Click the tabs to access the settings in ClockWorks.

28

CLOCKWORKS

Familiarity with your computer

In explaining how to use ClockWorks, this chapter
assumes that you are already familiar with the standard
computer interface conventions, such as how to select
options using menus, check boxes, radio buttons, etc. and
how to type and edit text, and so forth.

Opening ClockWorks

When you first launch ClockWorks, the default view for
ClockWorks is the MIDI Routing window (Figure 5-1),
which displays the current MIDI processing configu­ration.

If your MOTU interface doesn’t appear

If your MOTU interface doesn’t appear in the Window
menu, check the following things:

■

Your MOTU interface is turned off. Power it up and

Refresh

choose

■

A MOTU interface is not connected to the computer, or

from the ClockWorks File menu.

it is connected improperly. Make sure your cable
connection(s) to the interface match Figure 2-1 and
Figure 2-2 on page 9.

■

Mac users: open Audio MIDI Setup and make sure that
the interface is present in your current studio setup. If not,
scan for it as explained in “Launching Audio MIDI Setup”
on page 17.

■

If you make any adjustments to your hardware, choose

Refresh

from the ClockWorks File menu.

THE FILE MENU

Here is a brief explanation of each item in the ClockWorks
File menu.

Devices

Any MOTU MIDI interfaces that have successfully
established communication with ClockWorks appear at
the top of the File menu. Choose a device to open its
window, or bring its window to the front.

Load Configuration

The

Load Configuration

saved ClockWorks document and restores all of the
MOTU interface settings saved in the document.

menu item opens a previously

CLOCKWORKS

29